Victoria Police seize over 900 key cloning devices in one year

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 23:02 · Archive

Victoria Police have confiscated more than 900 wireless 'key cloning' devices used to steal vehicles in Melbourne.

Victoria Police have seized more than 900 'key cloning' devices over the past year, with the majority confiscated during raids and intercepts of suspicious vehicles in Melbourne's North West Metro policing region. Almost half were found in the Melton, Whittlesea and Hume police service areas. These small wireless gadgets are able to intercept and replicate signals sent by car keys, essentially creating duplicate keys without the vehicle owner realising.

Police have estimated that more than 10,000 vehicles are stolen each year using the technology. Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald described car theft as a 'significant concern' for both police and the community, saying the seizures were 'a stark reminder that offenders are turning to this technology to commit their offending'.

Police have recommended several protective measures. Motorists should install on-board diagnostic port locks and steering wheel locks, ensure vehicles are locked at all times, use off-street parking, and place car keys in specialist signal-blocking bags when not in use. Push-start Toyotas and Subarus are identified as particularly at-risk vehicles. The Victoria Police website allows residents to check whether stolen vehicles have been recovered.

How it is being reported

• More than 900 ‘key cloning’ devices seized by Victoria Police in one yearA small gadget used to break into people’s cars is becoming more prominent on the streets of one Aussie city.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 22:47
• More than 900 ‘key cloning’ devices seized by Victoria Police in one yearA small gadget used to break into people’s cars is becoming more prominent on the streets of one Aussie city.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 22:47

In this story: Victoria Police · Melbourne · Julie Macdonald · Melton · Whittlesea · Hume · Toyota · Subaru

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